The right of testaments belongs to the ordinary.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Jurisdiction over the probate and administration of wills belongs to the ordinary (the ecclesiastical or probate court) — this maxim establishes that testamentary matters are heard in a specialized forum with original jurisdiction, and no other court may usurp that authority absent express constitutional provision.

Where this applies

• A family disputes a will, and the case must be heard in the probate court, not the general civil court, because testamentary matters belong to the ordinary.
• A creditor tries to contest a will in a regular trial court, but the judge transfers the case to probate court because that is where jurisdiction over testaments lies.
• An heir challenges the validity of a will, and the dispute is heard by the probate judge because the right of testaments belongs to the specialized court with original jurisdiction.